Finding the best deals on price comparison websites

If you’re looking for the best deal on your mortgage, gas and electricity or savings account, price comparison sites are a great place to start your search. However, there are a few points to remember before you decide to use one.

General rules

Don’t use a single price comparison site: Individual price comparison sites don’t all give you the same results, so check out a few before you decide to switch lender, supplier or buy a product. This might take you a bit more time, but it’s worth doing as it could save you a lot of money.

Make sure the product fits your needs: Do some research before you make a final decision and ensure the product is right for you. The cheapest deal available might not necessarily be best for your specific needs. For example, are you better off choosing a fixed or variable mortgage rate? Should you go for a short or long term fixed price energy deal? Some comparison sites won’t have much guidance available, so it’s best to be armed with a certain amount of knowledge before you make a final decision.

Mobile phone suppliers

Making sure you’re on the right deal and not paying for calls, text and data you don’t use, or regularly going over your allowance, is a great way to cut costs.

Billmonitor: Will analyse your online bills, or allow you to enter your regular or required limits manually. It will then find the most suitable offers on the market and direct you to the relevant retailer. It meets strict Ofcom guidelines.

HandsetExpert: Select the handset you want and then enter your calls, text and data requirements. The website will then display the best offers available and you can go directly to the retailers website. It meets strict Ofcom guidelines.

Moneysupermarket.com: Allows you to search the most popular deals on big-name handsets and compare monthly and SIM only contracts. This can be used to help you find a better deal. Not Ofcom approved.